Gut Microbial Ecosystem (Gut Microbiome)

The gut microbial ecosystem, also known as the gut microbiota or gut microbiome, is the complex community of microorganisms inhabiting the digestive tracts of animals and humans. It plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, vitamin synthesis, immune system modulation, and pathogen defense. Disruptions in the gut microbiome (dysbiosis) are implicated in various diseases. Key components include bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses. The collective genome of these microbes contains about 100 times more genes than found in human DNA alone, vastly expanding metabolic capabilities within the host’s body.

Other names

Gut MicrobiotaGut MicrobiomeIntestinal MicrobiotaIntestinal Microbiome

Varied; depends on specific intervention (e.g., antibiotics disrupt the ecosystem, probiotics introduce beneficial species, prebiotics promote growth of beneficial species, FMT replaces the entire ecosystem). SCFAs produced by the microbiome also mediate various biological effects.